Wedding Gigs.

[SeaBassSteve]

Good Day People!

I am just after a bit of Pre Wedding Gig advice.


Basically, the band is a 5 Piece Covers band (2xGuitar(+Backing Vocals)/Female Singer/Bass/Drums) and we have been asked to get into negotiations regarding playing a wedding for a guest who was at our gig last night (which, off topic, went not so great, had problems with my Yammy 5er, managing to break the B string, then something electronic has gone wrong, so kept fading in and out of volume...)
Essentially, the questions are, what should we expect / do? The couple had a brief chat with us mid sets last night about it, and mentioned another local cover band they like (alarm bells?) who happen to be slightly more "soft" than us (marginally), in that they are playing stuff like Dandy Warhols, Snow Patrol and Coldplay whereas we tend to play stuff like Bon Jovi, Guns n Roses, Queen, Killers, etc

Anyway, we have never done a Wedding Gig before, and this would be our first. Any advice for the newbie? We are going to have a band meeting about it next week, and then meet up with the couple a few days later for a meeting with them.
Essentially I'm thinking the key points are :

Cost - The average price around here is £900-1000 ish, we are looking at maybe a 800 odd bid with maybe a 100 early setup charge if they wish to use the PA for speeches etc? Also this was with the proviso we may take some photos and use them to promote ourselves (We have a photographer friend who is our "Official Photographer")

Equipment - I believe they said it would be in two gazebos and generator powered . How do we go about making sure all is good on that front. Also what do you do with regards to lighting? We really normally only roll with few of these : http://images.maplin.co.uk/full/l70ak.jpg sort of things as they are small, solid and work for purpose. Also is it best to use our PA, or best to hire and thus be better covered in case anything goes wrong etc?

Musicians - We are a 5 piece, and have been since formation. With some of the songs they were mentioning, we are thinking maybe keys is an advantage? We have a friend who plays in one of our side project as a Keys player, and who plays football with 3 of the 5 of us who is a possibility if we need it, but is this something toc hange for one gig, if it means we'll fit the bill better?

Contracts - How do you write one? Every gig we have ever played, the bars etc have had standard contracts which we've made any requested edits to and signed away. How much different is a wedding contract?

Anyone else got anything they think we should bring up @ meeting the clients etc? Totally new to this!

[mboogiemanusa]

Keep in mind that you may not be the right band for the gig which may be better to turn down then play for an unreceptive disaster in waiting. Think dance party instead of rock concert. That being said - get partial advance and rest of the cash upon arrival ......before the actual performance.
Wedding bands are a special niche market which generally requires a versatile playlist that focuses on commercial pop hits, slow dance ballads and dance music (disco). The truly top notch bands can command a high price here on the left coast but majority of wedding gigs seem to be performed by cost effective professional DJ's. Weddings are not your typical dive bar rock crowd as you need to keep the young ladies out on the dance floor along with their mothers, grandmothers and aunts and uncles. Your probably going to need to do some research to augment your classic rock songs with more classic pop, motown and dance music. Think of wedding receptions like a New Years Eve show at a fancy club or hotel. For the clients, these are once in a life time events so do everything in your power to be prepared and that the show runs smooth. Dress up in fancy duds out of respect. Also be ready in advance for the brides mother to complain that your too loud. ( Once the dance floor fills up then they stop complaining). Weddings can be lucrative and a lot of work but also a good time. You can make some good $$$ in the wedding band circuit although you'll have to augment the classic rock stuff. The groom may want to hear hard rock and metal at his wedding but the average attendee wants to dance with the girls dressed to the nines. Lots to think about ....good luck.

[cableguy]

I once was asked to play in a wedding band. After going over possible set list I had to decline becuase I have limited time to play music. And playing music that for the most part I didn't like the money didn't matter. My wife being a florist also brought to my attention the drama & stress of weddings. Many people do well and are paid well in that niche market. I just decided it wasn't for me. Your band will have to ask itselt that question as well. Good luck. And if at all possible talk to some other bands involved in that curcuit.

[MattyH]

Ok, I do this every weekend.

My band is contracted in a wedding/production company, so I'm just going to list the do's-dont's and everything in between.

First, you need to pick a band leader. Someone that will be calling the songs, and the shots during the event. You need to be organized, and you need to be prepared. They need to read the crowd, call the tunes, handle the speeches, the toasts, and they need to be the ones with the paperwork, making sure everything goes smooth. They're the MC. They need to announce the bridal party, and everyone else.

You need to make sure your repertoire stretches from standards to todays top 40. Yes, a lot of clients will ask for specific genres, but it's a party with 200 people. You need to play for everyone. Grandma dosent want to grind to Lady Gaga, and the sexy young cousin dosent want to swing to Sinatra. You also need to make sure you have enough material to cover the entire night. You CAN NOT stop between songs. It needs to be continuos. You also need to make sure your key player, or guitar player, knows a lot of slower solo tunes, in order to fill those dancing gaps, like during food courses and order taking.

You need to make sure you're in constant contact with the clients. They're going to have very specific requests. First dances, parent dances, special requests, entrance songs for the bridal party. You need to make sure you know ALL of them. Clients love it when you make sure they're needs are being met.

Absolutely get a Key player. NO QUESTION!

DO NOT bring a personal photographer. Someone taking pics of you at THEIR wedding is a big no no.

Get matching suits. Standard Black suit with white shirt (Regular collar) and a thin black tie is the standard, but you can also go all black. Thats also popular. Again, ASK THE CLIENT. They may have a special request.

If you have a PA, bring it, but if you're worried about the quality, see if you can borrow a better one. Another thing, would be to hire a sound guy to run your board. Add him into your budget so you aren't losing out on pay

Over here in New York, your standard or even pro DJ is doing the job anymore. A talented Wedding band is in high demand. Thats why I'm out doing them every weekend. But sometimes, a band will pair with a DJ. Also an option you can look into. If the clients want a ROCK band, they have an option to also book a DJ for the Top 40.

The lights you have aren't bad, but can be cheesy. Find out more about the venue. Maybe a sound guy or a DJ would have better lighting. Also, if the power is being supplied, make sure they're separate circuits, and make sure your gear is grounded.

The main thing to remember when meeting with clients is to remain professional. That's the most important thing. You aren't a bar band anymore. You're playing at the most important day of their lives. I think about that every time. If it scares you, GOOD! There's so much that goes into this. Make a contract you think works. Ours are handled by a department in an office. Just get everything written down. Give yourself time to learn a million songs.

One last thing. The 2nd contact. Yes, there is a second contract. This will be your band leaders bible for the event. Time, date, venue location, client name, list of the bridal party and groomsmen IN ORDER they'll be walking out. You'll need the list of songs the party is coming out to, and you'll need the song the Bride and Groom are walking in to, along with their first dance, the names and dances for the parent dances, and all the special requests. Best man, and maid of honor are also needed (Or whoever else is making special speeches). Your band leader needs this info by their side all night. They need to be at the hip of the Maiter D or party planner(Who will give you a list of events for the night in order, with time slots). They'll be cueing you most of the night.

Nobody realizes that the band runs the show. It's a big deal. You don't just get up and play. Good luck to you, and I hope I was of help! (Jesus, I'm positive I forgot things. It's just so much!)

[MattyH]

Originally Posted by cableguy

I once was asked to play in a wedding band. After going over possible set list I had to decline becuase I have limited time to play music. And playing music that for the most part I didn't like the money didn't matter. My wife being a florist also brought to my attention the drama & stress of weddings. Many people do well and are paid well in that niche market. I just decided it wasn't for me. Your band will have to ask itselt that question as well. Good luck. And if at all possible talk to some other bands involved in that curcuit.

Yes, great post. A lot of people back out, because it's a lot of stress. Even driving an hour or 2 to the venue can be stressful. We were able to commit and make it our living, and let me tell you, up here in NY at least, it pays off. Just make sure you can make the commitment.

Cableguy, you also jogged my memory about something. DON'T go in with a set list. You HAVE to learn how to read the crowd, and call songs randomly. Know what songs kill as closers. Know that opening a room with some upbeat standards or 50's and 60's is a good way to break the ice, then move into the dance. You wont know when they serve dinner, or end a course, because venues always run off track with time, so you can;t use a set list to tell you when to go into solo /soft dinner music. If you go in with a set, you'll set yourself up for disaster. You'll run short, or you wont get to songs you want. You gotta know how to fly by the cuff.

Also, when meeting with the client, find out what they're doing for Ceremony/Cocktail Hour. Our keyboard player does those solo before a reception 98% of the time. Make sure your key player is GOOD. He's gotta be one of the best in the band. He's gotta know a lot of tunes. Double your repertoire as a band, so he can play the songs for a ceremony, and fill a cocktail hour.

[Tommy Hagen]

Originally Posted by mboogiemanusa

Keep in mind that you may not be the right band for the gig which may be better to turn down then play for an unreceptive disaster in waiting. Think dance party instead of rock concert. That being said - get partial advance and rest of the cash upon arrival ......before the actual performance.
Wedding bands are a special niche market which generally requires a versatile playlist that focuses on commercial pop hits, slow dance ballads and dance music (disco). The truly top notch bands can command a high price here on the left coast but majority of wedding gigs seem to be performed by cost effective professional DJ's. Weddings are not your typical dive bar rock crowd as you need to keep the young ladies out on the dance floor along with their mothers, grandmothers and aunts and uncles. Your probably going to need to do some research to augment your classic rock songs with more classic pop, motown and dance music. Think of wedding receptions like a New Years Eve show at a fancy club or hotel. For the clients, these are once in a life time events so do everything in your power to be prepared and that the show runs smooth. Dress up in fancy duds out of respect. Also be ready in advance for the brides mother to complain that your too loud. ( Once the dance floor fills up then they stop complaining). Weddings can be lucrative and a lot of work but also a good time. You can make some good $$$ in the wedding band circuit although you'll have to augment the classic rock stuff. The groom may want to hear hard rock and metal at his wedding but the average attendee wants to dance with the girls dressed to the nines. Lots to think about ....good luck.

I've done a lot of weddings and can tell you that this is spot on.

Tommy

[rodl2005]

We do weddings all the time too. All above advice is great.

CONTRACT them - definately!! We make sure(it's on the contract) that we get paid prior to the gig, or at the latest prior to us peforming the 1st song. Once you've had the ol' "the best man has the money" line then when you finally FIND him, he's passed out behind the bushes & lost the $$$, it's a no-brainer.
& Sure LOTS of weddings - ppl hire a 'band' coz "thats what you do at weddings, isn't it?" & sometimes they don't really even WANT music (more than a CD/MP3 playing VERY softly) until the last hour.

We did one a cuppla weeks ago, where they were a hassle to deal with for months leading up to the night- paid us OK tho. Then ON the night, we 1st- played 'dinner music' - Jazz instrumentals etc... & the tables near us were digging it lots & clapping & tapping along, BUT the BRIDE came up to us after 1/2 a dozen songs & Said "you're great but can U play quieter?"
We were already playing QUIETLY- so much so I could speak to the drummer quietly while we were playing :-)
So we turned DOWN more!! (hey- it's THEIR night) then a few more songs later, the bride comes up & says " it's great, but could you perhaps turn OFF & play" lol!!!!!!

After explaining that the guests would only hear the drums & Horns, we politely suggested we simply play the CD until they're ready to do the Bridal Waltz. After which, the bride STILL said to turn down.
But as the rest of the guests were basically 'screaming' for us to 'rock it up' - we turned UP, played our normal wedding 'dance' stuff & all was hunky dory.
You get ALL types of weddings!!!

[Skitch it!]

I've played a fair few of them in the U.K, hundreds over the years, this was the score -

5 piece, your looking at £900-£1000, higher than this if the quality is there, give or take.

The power appliances are down to the organisers at the event, this can be a little makeshift sometimes, so be helpful with it, and make sure of your own safety (circuit breakers for your back-line is a good idea). Make sure all your kit is fully dependable, batteries, sticks, spares, power extensions (make them long), multi-plug boards, spare bulbs for lighting fuses (mains and amplifier output fuses, don't be stuck for a simple slow-blow fuse if one goes down) take them.

Lighting, just 2 stands, one either side of the area your playing in (the ones you linked will be O.K.) portables will be fine, there are some great little units out there at the moment, they haven't got to be huge. Small stuff will be effective inside a Marque.

Use your own P.A, again it doesn't have to be hugely loud but that's your choice. You don't want an extra hand to pay really, have some practise runs at rehearsals.

Find out the song /music preferences of the bride and groom, you will usually have to learn the First Dance and some requests (2/3 we usually ran, not 12 etc), tailor your set accordingly. Send the prospective couple your set-list, and ask them to mark their preferences.

We never used a keys player but I suppose it's handy? In fact it is, but not absolutely essential, work the parts with the band, cover the main lines/melodies.

Remind the drummer to bring a carpet to stop the kit sliding too, some of the surfaces of the floors/ playing stage outdoors in the Marques can be a little uneven ; )

A standard contract template should be available online somewhere I'm sure, we always worked through an agent, whom served us very well. He put a lot of work our way *because* of the quality of the band. Your rep and standard, make it good, this will be the popularity/selling point. This includes the obvious of being polite, personable and presentable, (wear black, shirt/in summer short sleeved/black trousers/shoes) with the contingents at the wedding (this isn't always easy, there are certain 'Masters of Ceremony' or 'Maiter D's' with a little snootiness to deal with, so be cool)

Get on to the agents books, a fair agent will serve you very well and has the contacts for increased workload.

Most of all, enjoy, do a good job and be organised. Nice food (negotiate this in the contract as 5 hot meals, whatever) nice drinks and usually a cool vibe, especially during summer when most weddings are scheduled, and usually in real nice places, Castles, Manors etc ; )

P.S, Sat Nav it, and be on time or as close to.

Need more info, pm me, no worries ; )

[Exploiter8]

Maybe someone hit on this already, but search "generator powered" and read the pros and cons.

X8

[Low Class]

Originally Posted by Exploiter8

Maybe someone hit on this already, but search "generator powered" and read the pros and cons.

X8

Yep, the generator power was the first red flag I saw. Lost a lot of equipment doing a wedding gig with generators, idiot running them sent us 220v and fried everything.

[SeaBassSteve]

Have to say, thansk for the posts above. Some great advice.
I have been sort of in an excited/shitting my self stage of this, I hope the rest of the band feel the same!

[MattyH]

I'm going to have to disagree with "Skitch It" on the Keyboard player front. If you're planning on covering a wide range of tunes for a wedding, and planning on selling yourself as a band that can cover a Ceremony and a Cocktail Hour, a keyboard player IS a major part, and IMO, a must have essential. Trust me, you'll see how much better, full, and easier it is. You'll be able to triple your repertoire. Also, you'll get way more then 2-3 requests. We play 2-3 requests before the first dance! Be prepared to learn the 12 songs "Skitch It" says not to worry about. Again, I do weddings EVERY weekend. I learn at LEAST 6 songs we MUST know for each wedding. Thats about 12 songs I'm learning a week, sometimes ALOT more. Be prepared. For example, you could be learning:
Ceremony entrances and recessionals
Cocktail hour requests
Bridal Party entrances
Bride and Groom entrance
Father/Daughter dance
Groom/Mother dance (These songs are usually very keyboard heavy, sometimes ONLY piano...think about it, you don't want to get stuck with a song you cant pull off)
Cake Cutting
Bouquet toss
Garder toss
Ethnic music such as horas (if need be)
Special requests given by the clients other then the must learn songs written above.

These are standard at every wedding I work. It's a lot yes, but It's fun. If you're passionate, you'll do fine. Just be ready to WORK. I understand some of these guys do weddings over the years, here and there, but I suggest taking what I've said to heart. This is my job, my living, how I make money, and I take it seriously. It's what I do, and I do it well, and it pays off. I know what I'm talking about.

PS - If the Mothers or Fathers of the clients ask for a request, pray you know it. You REALLY want to make them happy! It'll usually make or break you tip wise!

[MattyH]

Oops, forgot the most important request! The First Dance!

[Skitch it!]

Originally Posted by MattyH

I'm going to have to disagree with "Skitch It" on the Keyboard player front. If you're planning on covering a wide range of tunes for a wedding, and planning on selling yourself as a band that can cover a Ceremony and a Cocktail Hour, a keyboard player IS a major part, and IMO, a must have essential. Trust me, you'll see how much better, full, and easier it is. You'll be able to triple your repertoire. Also, you'll get way more then 2-3 requests. We play 2-3 requests before the first dance! Be prepared to learn the 12 songs "Skitch It" says not to worry about. Again, I do weddings EVERY weekend. I learn at LEAST 6 songs we MUST know for each wedding. Thats about 12 songs I'm learning a week, sometimes ALOT more. Be prepared. For example, you could be learning:
Ceremony entrances and recessionals
Cocktail hour requests
Bridal Party entrances
Bride and Groom entrance
Father/Daughter dance
Groom/Mother dance (These songs are usually very keyboard heavy, sometimes ONLY piano...think about it, you don't want to get stuck with a song you cant pull off)
Cake Cutting
Bouquet toss
Garder toss
Ethnic music such as horas (if need be)
Special requests given by the clients other then the must learn songs written above.

These are standard at every wedding I work. It's a lot yes, but It's fun. If you're passionate, you'll do fine. Just be ready to WORK. I understand some of these guys do weddings over the years, here and there, but I suggest taking what I've said to heart. This is my job, my living, how I make money, and I take it seriously. It's what I do, and I do it well, and it pays off. I know what I'm talking about.

PS - If the Mothers or Fathers of the clients ask for a request, pray you know it. You REALLY want to make them happy! It'll usually make or break you tip wise!

+1 I do agree with this too, more than enough is never a bad thing in this employment field, it will all stand you in good stead, the keys player can be a lifesaver, if something needs on the spot adjustment in repertoire or a slight deviation to the plans, or very specific tracks.

I will say it's a little bit different here in the U.K. as far as ceremony is concerned though , but excellent points nevertheless.

The last Wedding I played turned into a punch-up by the way,
in fairness, that was a pretty rare case.

But anyways, cool, and great points ; )

[pjmuck]

Don't forget Insurance! Very important.

If you're expecting to do no more than 1 wedding this year, then you can purchase insurance for a single event, but if you're planning/hoping to make this a regular thing then look into annual insurance to cover all your weddings. This not only protects you and your band/equipment from damages but also everyone in attendance should some knucklehead trip over one of your cables or damage done to the venue itself. Typical single event coverage covers $1,000,000 general liability, though dependent on the event, number of people in attendance, etc. and can run you anywhere from $200+. If you're a member of ASCAP, there's a company called MusicPro that offers very reasonable rates to ASCAP members. We secured single event insurance recently for a wedding we did for $150.

[MattyH]

Originally Posted by Skitch it!

+1 I do agree with this too, more than enough is never a bad thing in this employment field, it will all stand you in good stead, the keys player can be a lifesaver, if something needs on the spot adjustment in repertoire or a slight deviation to the plans, or very specific tracks.

I will say it's a little bit different here in the U.K. as far as ceremony is concerned though , but excellent points nevertheless.

The last Wedding I played turned into a punch-up by the way,
in fairness, that was a pretty rare case.

But anyways, cool, and great points ; )

Thank you sir. I'm not really aware of customs over in the U.K., but I'm definitely interested to find out more about it!

[Skitch it!]

Originally Posted by MattyH

Thank you sir. I'm not really aware of customs over in the U.K., but I'm definitely interested to find out more about it!

Not at all, Sir, indeed, Thank you.

'Colourful', is probably the best descriptive for some of the 'inherent'? customs here. All the best

[SeaBassSteve]

Originally Posted by Skitch it!

Not at all, Sir, indeed, Thank you.

'Colourful', is probably the best descriptive for some of the 'inherent'? customs here. All the best

I have to say. I sent some of these to the bands and the female singer came back asking if everyone I asked was american! My problem is I'm a 23 yo singleton and have not been to many weddings!
Insurance is an interesting issue. Been looking at gear insurance and can get a year of cover for my gear with 1mil public liability included. This would of course thus cover all our normal gigs too for me personally.
We have been told 2x1h set with dj between and after , and to provide pa/ lighting.

[jaywa]

Make sure you have every penny you're owed in-hand before you play the first note.

I played a wedding gig one time where the BL didn't do this and by the time the band had finished, the entire wedding party (including the "money man") had skated. It was one of our BL's friends so he hadn't even collected a deposit so we literally played the whole night for free. I made sure that never happened again.

[MNAirHead]

Find out the theme...... coordinate

Focus on your visual

Someone needs to be an EmCee

Go crash some weddings and take notes.

Be ready to setup VERY early

Hiring an Acoustic Opener sets a better vibe than an MP3 Player.

If you don't have professional band members - walk.